Dr BK Goyal, eminent cardiologist of the country passed away on Tuesday following a cardiac arrest at the age of 82 years.

He has been a pioneer in cardiology and his career spanning more than five decades has been richly strewn with numerous awards and laurels, both national and international.

He had a long association with Bombay Hospital as its Honorary Dean and was Chief Cardiologist at the Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences. He was also the Director-Professor of Cardiology of JJ Group of Hospitals, Grant Medical College and Haffkine Institute, Mumbai. He was appointed Professor Emeritus of Cardiology at the Grant Medical College for life by the Govt. of Maharashtra.

Dr BK Goyal was the only foreign cardiologist (outside the US) chosen as an Honorary Consultant Cardiologist with the world-renowned Texas Heart Institute in Houston.

He was the Sheriff of Mumbai in 1980.

Dr BK Goyal had the rare distinction of being honored with all the three Padma awards, one of the highest civilian awards of the country: the Padma Shri (distinguished service) in 1984, Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order) in 1989 and Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service) in 2005.

His name was in circulation for the post of the Vice President of India in 2007 and also the President of India in 2012.

What an honor it would have been for the medical fraternity if he had indeed become the Head of the State.

He was a father figure for many budding cardiologists and his passing away has left a huge void not only in cardiology, but also in the medical profession as a whole.

Such a distinguished career is deserving of the nation’s highest recognition.

We pay homage to this great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.